CNSL 653 prepares counselors to talk about sex professionally and to understand sexual problems in the context of relationships.
UMGC describes it as a study of the history of sex research and sex therapy. Common sexual issues and dysfunctions seen by marriage and family therapists are defined, basic traditional therapeutic models for treating sexual problems are discussed, and the systemic basis of sexual issues is explored in an interpersonal context, including systemic assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Prerequisites are CNSL 621 and CNSL 622, and it is an approved elective. Students often find the main challenge is comfort: writing clinically and without judgment about a subject many people avoid.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | CNSL 653 |
| Credits | 3 |
| Program | MS in Clinical Professional Counseling (approved elective) |
| Prerequisites | CNSL 621 and CNSL 622 |
| Typical work | Research papers, case analyses, discussions, self-reflection |
What CNSL 653 Covers
- History of sex research and sex therapy.
- Common sexual issues and dysfunctions seen in couple and family work.
- Traditional therapeutic models for sexual problems.
- Systemic basis of sexual issues in an interpersonal context.
- Systemic assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Milestones in Sex Research and Therapy
| Figure or development | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Alfred Kinsey | Large interview studies of sexual behavior in mid-twentieth-century America |
| Masters and Johnson | Laboratory study of sexual response; a short-term behavioral therapy format |
| Helen Singer Kaplan | Integrated behavioral and psychodynamic ideas; added desire to the response cycle |
| Later models | Circular and responsive models of desire, especially in women's sexuality |
Key Concepts Explained
Sensate Focus
Sensate focus, developed by Masters and Johnson, is a structured series of touching exercises that removes performance pressure and builds attention to sensation. It remains a common element of traditional sex therapy.
Example: A couple reports avoiding intimacy after repeated difficulty with arousal. The counselor first rules out medical causes by encouraging a medical check, then introduces sensate focus with intercourse temporarily off the table. Without pressure, anxiety falls, the couple reconnects physically, and the counselor explores the relationship patterns that grew around the problem.
Systemic View of Sexual Problems
In a systemic view, a sexual difficulty is shaped by and shapes the relationship. Conflict, resentment, stress, family-of-origin messages and cultural beliefs can all play a part, so assessment looks at the couple, not just one partner's symptom.
Medical and Cultural Factors
Many sexual problems have physical contributors, including medications and health conditions. Counselors refer for medical evaluation as standard. Religious and cultural values also shape what clients see as a problem and what treatment is acceptable.
Systemic Assessment
Assessment in sex therapy combines a sexual history with a relationship assessment. Questions cover the onset and context of the concern, whether it is lifelong or acquired, situational or general, each partner's understanding of it, and how the couple has responded.
Use clear, respectful language and ask permission before detailed questions. Interviewing partners together and separately can each reveal different information, and assignments may ask you to justify which you would use first.
Counselors also check scope: sex therapy is a specialty, and complex cases may need referral to a specifically trained and certified sex therapist.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Historical paper | Knowledge of the field's development | Trace how ideas changed and why it matters for practice |
| Case analysis | Systemic assessment and treatment | Cover medical rule-out, relationship context and a treatment plan |
| Dysfunction research paper | Depth on one concern | Define it, discuss causes and evidence-based treatment |
| Self-reflection | Comfort and values | Name your attitudes honestly and how you will manage them |
Where Students Get Stuck
- Skipping the medical referral. Always mention medical evaluation.
- Individual focus. The course is systemic; include the relationship.
- Judgemental or vague language. Use accurate clinical terms.
- Assuming heterosexual couples. Write inclusively.
Study Tips for CNSL 653
- Build a timeline of sex research milestones.
- Learn the DSM sexual dysfunction categories and their key qualifiers.
- Practice phrasing sexual history questions aloud until they feel natural.
- Pair each dysfunction with medical, individual and relational factors.
How We Help with CNSL 653
Send the prompt, case, rubric and readings. A writer with knowledge of couple and sex therapy can prepare a custom paper or case analysis, explain historical and systemic concepts, or review your draft. Our counseling assignment help guide covers related courses.
GradeEssays is independent of the University of Maryland Global Campus. Our work is academic study support, not clinical advice; submit only your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy.
Approach Sexual Issues Systemically
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Frequently Asked Questions
UMGC lists CNSL 621 and CNSL 622.
No. It is a 3-credit elective in the MS in Clinical Professional Counseling. Certification as a sex therapist involves separate training requirements.
It means sexual issues are understood within the relationship and wider context rather than as one person's problem alone.
Many sexual difficulties have physical contributors, such as medication or health conditions, which should be assessed by a medical professional.
CNSL 651 covers couples work broadly, including infidelity. CNSL 653 focuses on sexual issues, their history and systemic treatment.
Yes. We prepare custom papers or give feedback in a professional, clinical tone.